Ted Cruz is a recipient of donations both directly and indirectly (through ALEC) of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison corporations:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016
For profit prisons lobby against marijuana legalization and legal immigration to keep their lucrative prison quotas.
In fact, according to OpenSecrets.org, Ted Cruz is our nation’s 8th largest recipient of for profit prison money;
https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.php?cycle=2018&ind=G7000
As a result, more than 70,000 nonviolent Texans are arrested annually for small marijuana possessions.

Governor Abbott signed the Compassionate Use Act in 2015, but with high dispensary application fees (still at half a million annually) through DPS the program is too restrictive and expensive for the epileptic children and adults it was intended for.
In his debate with Lupe Valdez the Governor suggested he is open to depenalizing marijuana charges under two ounces to a class C misdemeanor during the upcoming 2019 legislative session. Until then, and until the CUA is expanded to function as a medical marijuana bill, or he and his lietenant Governor Dan Patrick rescinds his comments opposing marijuana legalization, Abbott receives a D.

Congressional District 1

F

Louie Gohmert (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Ratcliffe has voted against every major piece of marijuana legislation except in 2015 he cosponsored the Charlotte’s Web Medical Access Act.
https://www.cannabisvoter.info/state-news/texas/

Congressional District 5

F

Lance Gooden (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Even though recent polling shows a majority of Republican voters want marijuana legalized Lance Gooden does not believe his constituents want legalization of marijuana.
http://www.athensreview.com/news/county-law-enforcement-oppose-cite-and-release-policy-on-marijuana/article_0749f81a-b459-11e7-8d85-bff1853d818b.html

According to the Los Angeles Times; During Mrs. Fletcher’s special elections debate she said “more study was needed” to support marijuana legalization.
https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-midterm-democrats-texas-20180521-story.html%3foutputType=amp

Congressional District 8

F

Kevin Brady (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

https://www.cannabisvoter.info/state-news/texas
http://www.ontheissues.org/TX/Kevin_Brady_Drugs.htm
Kevin Brady is a major recipient of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison companies:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/toprecips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016

Rep. Al Green has been very supportive of marijuana reform bills in the House. The only thing keeping him from an “A” is his support for ramping up the drug war with weapons and enforcement assistance to Mexico to combat cartels instead of supporting legalized marijuana markets.

https://www.cannabisvoter.info/state-news/texas/
Michael McCaul is a recipient of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison corporations:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016
And a major recipient of the nation’s largest private prison, Corrections Corporation of America;
https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00366468&cycle=2016

Congressional District 11

F

Mike Conaway (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

https://www.cannabisvoter.info/state-news/texas/
http://norml.org/congressional-scorecard/texas
Conaway is a major recipient of the largest private prison in the nation, Corrections Corporation of America:
https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00366468&cycle=2016
The CCA lobbies against marijuana legalization to fill their quotas with more than 40,000 annual nonviolent Texans in possession of marijuana.

Sheila Jackson Lee introduced the Marijuana Justice Act not only to deschedule marijuana from the CSAct but to have reparations for the victims of the drug war.
http://www.drugpolicy.org/press-release/2018/01/house-introduces-marijuana-legalization-bill-focused-racial-justice-companion

Mr. Chip Roy (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Chip Roy does not support any marijuana legalization. In an interview with Texas NORML at Chick’s Meat Market in Spring Branch, TX, Roy was cornered on state’s rights for marijuana policy. Roy said “I support the Trump administration’s stance on federalism,” but would not commit to supporting a marijuana bill that defends state’s rights to implement their own marijuana policy.

http://norml.org/congressional-scorecard/texas
Will Hurd is a major recipient of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison corporations:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016
And the largest recipient of the nation’s largest private prison, Corrections Corporation of America;
https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00366468&cycle=2016
Private Prisons lobby against marijuana legalization in order to fill their quotas with more than 70,000 nonviolent Texans in small possessions of marijuana annually.

"Legalization of marijuana is a state issue, and I would not vote to dictate drug policy to states at the federal level." -VoteSmart

Congressional District 28

F

Henry Cuellar (D)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

http://norml.org/congressional-scorecard/texas
Henry Cuellar is a major recipient of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison corporations.
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016
Cuellar is also a major recipient of our nation’s largest private prison, Corrections Corporation of America;
https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00366468&cycle=2016
In fact, according to OpenSecrets.org, Henry Cuellar is the 4th largest recipient of for profit prisons in the United States.
https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.php?cycle=2018&ind=G7000
Private prisons lobby against marijuana legalization to fill their quotas with more than 70,000 Texans annually for nonviolent possession of marijuana.

https://votesmart.org/candidate/27098/eddie-johnson?categoryId=101&filter=%5B%27V%27,%20%27S%27,%20%27R%27,%20%27E%27,%20%27F%27,%20%27P%27%5D#.W80Tu6ROmEc
Eddie Bernice Johnson has been a consistant defender of state marijuana policies.

Congressional District 31

F

John Carter (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

http://norml.org/congressional-scorecard/texas
John Carter is a recipient of GeoGroup, one of America’s largest private prison corporations:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000022003&cycle=2016
According to OpenSecrets.org, John Carter is THIRD LARGEST RECIPIENT OF FOR PROFIT PRISONS in the United States:
https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.php?cycle=2018&ind=G7000
These private prisons lobby against marijuana legalization to keep their quotas full of more than 70,000 nonviolent Texans annually for small marijuana possessions.

Colin Allred is a civil rights attorney who supports decriminalization and medical marijuana access. He won his campaign against the most obstructionist Representative in Congress against marijuana reform, Pete Sessions, R-TX

Texas NORML spoke with staffers of Senator Hall reading out the various grade qualifications for marijuana policy. The staffer replied “No one can answer that for Mr. Hall” and hung up. The opportunity to answer is always there, but hanging up is a failing grade.

In 2015 State Senator Charles Shwertner voted Yes on SB339 the Compassionate Use Act in Texas.
But when a more comprehensive bill to legalize medical marijuana reached the committee he Chairs for Health and Human Services he let SB269 languish in 2017.
TXCann shows that despite Schwertner being a doctor his doners aren’t that friendly to legalization:
http://txcann.com/donors-questioned-medical-marijuana-failure-texas/

While State Senator Bettencourt supported SB339 to legalize medical marijuana in the State of Texas with a yes vote, he was not supportive of Houston DA Kim Og’s successful efforts to decriminalize marijuana in Harris County. NORML’s position is we can’t legalize mmj if we keep throwing patients in jail.

DallasMN: “What is your position on proposals to (a) legalize medicinal use of marijuana and (b) reclassify possession of small amounts of pot as a fine-only offense? Does this language need to be updated?”
Angela Paxton: “I am opposed to the legalization and decriminalization of drugs.“
https://voterguide.dallasnews.com/2018-primary/candidates/75/

State Senate District 09

D-

Kelly Hancock (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Senator Hancock voted against SB339 to legalize medical marijuana in the state of Texas.

(From an interview with the Dallas Morning News):
What is your position on proposals to (a) legalize medicinal use of marijuana and (b) reclassify possession of small amounts of pot as a fine-only offense? Does this language need to be updated?
“I favor both proposals. They will alleviate suffering, decrease expense in medicine and in criminal justice, increase productivity (by, among other things, allowing small-time users to be gainfully employed), and promote family cohesion.“
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf
During the primaries Nathan had this to say to Texas NORML:
“Regarding the legalized and regulated use of marijuana (Question
3), I think Texas needs more time and more data before asking the public to decide the matter. Other states are currently serving as laboratories. Data from their experiences will affect attitudes here, and will help the discussion proceed on a more informed, less conjectural basis. De-criminalization, meanwhile, is urgent, benevolent, and beneficial to the state.”

Senator Huffman said DA Kim Og’s decriminalization of marijuana in Harris County was “bad for Texas families.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/02/16/texas-lawmakers-disagree-houston-moves-decriminalize-marijuana/

Senator Cambell, although she is a physician, has been a vocal opponent of even medical marijuana, stating she “needs more than anecdotal evidence that cannabis works”
http://txcann.com/texas-senator-medical-marijuana-anecdotal-evidence/

Senator Fallon has been backed by Lietenant Governor Patrick and doners that are not in favor of marijuana legalization.

State Senate District 31

F

Kel Seliger (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

https://www.google.com/amp/www.lubbockonline.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199878%3ftemplate=ampart
Senator Seliger is a staunch, vocal opponent of marijuana legalization, stating “it’s just not going to happen.”

Rep. Flynn is an outspoken opponent of marijuana legalization:
http://www.heraldbanner.com/news/local_news/local-officials-unsure-about-call-for-looser-marijuana-laws/article_8083b11a-8241-11e8-a9be-3f6a6bb3b349.html
He voted against the Compassionate Use Act for severely epileptic patients.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

State House District 003

F

Cecil Bell (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Rep. Cecil Bell is a drug warrior, believing that increased law enforcement is the solution to decreased marijuana consumption.
https://house.texas.gov/news/press-releases/?id=4994
He voted against the Compassionate Use Act for severely epileptic patients.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

https://www.news-journal.com/news/local/limited-texas-medical-marijuana-law-rolling-out-amid-more-questions/article_b4d7b644-c197-5014-817f-4782c50d73d1.html
Rep. Clardy worked to expand low THC to patients through the Compassionate Use Act, but has not supported depenalization or legalization of marijuana.
He coauthored HB2107 to legalize medical marijuana.

John Raney coauthored HB 2107 to legalize medical marijuana in the state of Texas:
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Back in 2013 Steve Toth voted Yes on HB184 out of the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee to depenalize less than 1 oz. of marijuana:
http://txcann.com/texas-cannabis-bills-fail-to-make-the-floor-but-see-progress/

State House District 016

F

Will Metcalf (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Will Metcalf did not even vote yes on SB339 the Compassionate Use Act to provide epileptic Texans low THC cannabis.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

State House District 017

C+

John Cyrier (R)MEDICAL USEMANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

John Cryer did not support the currently enacted Compassionate Use Act for epileptic Texans to have access to low THC whole plant cannabis. However he did support HB2107 to legalize medical marijuana so he gets a C+.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

James White cosponsored the Compassionate Use Act and coauthored HB2107 to legalize medical marijuana in the state of Texas.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Terry Wilson co-authored HB81 to depenalize marijuana in the state of Texas.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Rick Miller was a cosponsor of the Compassionate Use Act and he coauthored HB81 to depenalize marijuana possessions under 1oz.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

John Zerwas cosponsored the Compassionate Use Act and coauthored HB2107 to legalize medical marijuana in the state of Texas.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

State House District 029

F

Ed Thompson (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Representative Herrero voted yes on the Compassionate Use Act and coauthored HB81 to decriminalize marijuana.
He didn’t support 2107 for medical marijuana and would have received a “C” grade. But as former chair of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in 2015 he passed HB2165 to fully legalize marijuana out of Committee. It had no chance out of Calendar Comittee but we give Abel an “A” for his support.
http://marijuana.heraldtribune.com/2015/05/06/texas-house-committee-approves-bill-to-make-marijuana-legal-for-adults/

During her recent debate at the Blanco Library Erin Zweiner reaffirmed her position on legalizing and regulating marijuana.
During the primaries she said, “ Iwill support all of the above policies, but my end goal is full
legalization of marijuana. There is not adequate social or medical risk to justify it remaining illegal.”
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https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

Her response to Texas NORML during the primaries:
“For far too long, communities that are primarily low-income
people of color have been jailed and disenfranchised due to regressive marijuana policy - a description that disproportionately describes my district, HD 46, compared to the rest of the state. I applaud the local efforts in Travis County (and elsewhere) to make sure we aren’t ruining the lives of individuals for possessing marijuana, but we can do better at a state and federal level. While I do not believe that the legalization marijuana will solve all of our criminal justice issues, it is certainly progress and a necessary step. The additional tax revenue that can go towards our ailing education, healthcare, and transportation systems is also very welcomed.”

https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

From his website:
“We must reform our criminal justice system by legalizing marijuana, reforming bail bonds, divesting from privately-owned prisons, and promoting community policing initiatives to build trust between police officers and the neighborhoods they serve.“

State House District 053

F

Andrew Murr (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Coauthored HB2107 out of committee even though it had no chance of a floor vote.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

"Texas should immediately fully legalize medical and recreational use and sales of Cannabis. The failed war on drugs is costing taxpayers millions of dollars annually, footing the bill for the large private prison system in Texas. Recreational use of marijuana should be legal and available to all those individuals 21+ in age with the exception of younger patients seeking the medical benefits of cannabis... In the end we must vote for Federal leadership that supports legalization of cannabis. At the very least we must move cannabis from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 2 so that we have access and funding for all cannabis related research. "- As submitted to the 'NORML Candidate Questionnaire' on 9/3
While NORML does not advocate for a “schedule 2” status (cocaine is schedule 2), Beckley’s response during the primaries secures her an -A:
“In the Texas House, we will legislate towards the immediate
decriminalization of cannabis for medical use. Many veterans that suffer from PTSD, cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses need more access to low cost medicine to which medicinal cannabis can provide. In addition, we must look towards states like Colorado which have seen enormous economic gains from the industry and similarly use the opportunity of the cannabis industry to grow small businesses, put tax revenue towards education and increase the quality of life for all Texans. Our local communities deserve better than being put on the sidelines when so many benefits are being seen around them.“
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

State House District 066

F

Matt Shaheen (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Voted no on the CUA for severely epileptic patients.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Representative Joe Moody will very likely author the bill that decriminalizes marijuana early next year in Texas.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf
As chair of the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee he is drafting legislation to hold Governor Abbott to his word about decriminalizing marijuana during the upcoming January 2019 legislative session.
https://www.texastribune.org/2018/10/11/texas-joe-moody-criminal-justice-legislature-marijuana/
Texas Tribune: “Will you be introducing your civil penalty bill again?”
Moody: “Yes, civil penalties will be the first bill I file this coming session.”
But because he is focused on a realistic decrim bill does not mean he won’t support full marijuana legalization:
Texas Tribune: “What impact would the legalization of marijuana have on the projected prison population?”
Moody: Legalization isn't something I've proposed — although I would probably support it — and not something I think has a chance of passing. Decriminalization in lieu of a civil penalty, however, would save us over $700 million a year. While it wouldn't impact prison populations, it would decrease local costs by freeing space in county jails.“

“I support access to marijuana for medicinal purposes and believe
that this would keep residents from having to move/travel to other states to receive proper treatment.”
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf



In a candid phone interview with Julie Johnson’s campaign manager Sarah, this campaign is ready to go to work on marijuana reform during the 2019 legislative session. The campaign is receiving local support from individuals who need marijuana for medicine to business entrepeneurs who are “ready to invest in our district with marijuana businesses.”
Texas NORML is glad to have Julie Johnson’s full support.

In an interview with Texas NORML on San Antonio’s The Source from Texas Public Radio on 10/30/18, Mr. Allison expressed support for medical marijuana specifically for epilepsy (the Compassionate Use Program is currently too restrictive and expensive to reach the epileptics it was intended for).
However, when Allison mentioned depenalizing marijuana possessions with drug classes he expressed concern with decriminalization by revisiting debunked propaganda stating “I believe marijuana is a gateway drug.”
http://www.tpr.org/post/celina-montoya-and-steve-allison-race-fill-joe-straus-d-121-seat-texas-house

State House District 122

F

Lyle Larson (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

Ina Minjaris supports marijuana legalization.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf
As a ranking member of the House Human Services Committee and the Special Committee on Opioids and Substance Abuse, Minjarez may prove a useful ally in legalizing marijuana to combat the opioid crisis.

Justin has supported and coauthored nearly every major marijuana bill in the state House
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Alma Allen has been in avid supporter of marijuana reform in the state House.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Jon Rosenthal’s support for criminal justice reform and eliminating the private prison lobby says it all. But in an interview with Texas NORML, here is what he has to say;
“I also support releasing non-violent offenders serving time in prison, particularly those who are ONLY convicted of possession of quantities for personal use.“
“ I personally believe that marijuana should be decriminalized, regulated, and taxed in much the same way we address alcohol and tobacco. I would also push for using the revenue from the taxes primarily for public education.“
Agrees with expungement of criminal histories for minor possessions.

“While I favor allowing the use of medical marijuana and
decriminalization for small amounts of marijuana I would like more information around the legalization debate. I am eager to learn more and have an open dialogue.”
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
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

Gene Wu has an excellent voting record for marijuana reform in the state house:
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf

Garnet Coleman supports marijuana legalization. Reading his voting record Joint authoring and sponsoring every major marijuana legislation in the legislature is proof of that.
https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Voter-Guide-v.FINAL-2.20.18.pdf

Valoree Swanson (R)MANDATORY MINIMUMSJAIL TIME FOR POSSESSIONNO MEDICAL USE

When Valorie Swanson is never available for a vote or comment on marijuana policy, her silence speaks volumes. https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Texas-Marijuana-Policy-State-Legislator-Voting-Records-2015-and-2017-Updated-December-2017.pdf